A new Medicare drug benefit was introduced to Medicare beneficiaries on January 1, 2006. Since then, seniors across the state have been inundated with mail, phone calls, and door-to-door solicitations from insurance agents and companies selling Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. Recently, however, a new federal rule was proposed that should offer the elderly some relief. Approximately 27 million Americans receive benefits from either stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plans or through Medicare Advantage Plans. Since 2006, participants, and even state insurance commissioners, have complained loudly that some agents use false or misleading information, or other deceptive practices, to enroll people into certain plans that they didn’t want, particularly those offering comprehensive health insurance. There are even reports of agents waiting outside of hospitals and pharmacies soliciting seniors as they exit.
While some rules were previously put into place by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to protect seniors, it simply wasn’t enough. The proposed new rule would restrict face-to-face meetings to those ONLY initiated by the customer. In other words, if you were to suddenly find yourself in a face-to-face meeting that you didn’t ask for with an insurance agent selling Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, then the agent standing in front of you would have some explaining to do. Please note that as of this writing any current or proposed rules do not apply to the sale of Medicare Supplement Plans.
You can also take steps to protect yourself. Here are some suggestions:
- GET A BUSINESS CARD – Always ask for a business card from the agent(s) at the beginning of any appointment. It sends an immediate message that you are not to be taken lightly.
- GET PRODUCT INFORMATION – Make sure that you are left with a copy of the brochure, formulary, provider directory, etc. NEVER sign an application without it.
- TAKE NOTES – When you take notes it forces the agent to describe the plan(s) accurately because you will be able compare the things that were said to the product information left behind.
- GET IT IN WRITING – If the agent makes any promises or guarantees, get it in writing.
Not all agents are bad. In fact, the majority are good. However, if you feel that you were lied to or mislead by an agent, or if you believe that you were taken advantage of in any way, contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance immediately at (615) 741-2241 or by filing a complaint online by CLICKING HERE.